Barrington Tops National Park

Rising abruptly from the Hunter Valley floor, Barrington Tops National Park is a World Heritage-listed wilderness of ancient Antarctic beech forests, wild rivers, and subalpine plateaus. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, this park offers a cool-climate escape with hiking, swimming, and wildlife spotting amid some of the country's most dramatic elevation changes.

Highlights & What to See

• Gloucester River & Gloucester Falls – A series of plunge pools and cascades perfect for a refreshing dip after the short walk from the campground.
• Polblue Swamp & Plateau – A boardwalk leads across a subalpine bog; in summer, wildflowers bloom and you might spot wombats and wallabies grazing at dusk.
• Mount Barrington Summit Walk – A steep but rewarding 6 km return hike through snow gums to panoramic views of the coast and the valley below.
• Beech Forest Walk – An easy loop through ancient Antarctic beech trees, their gnarled trunks draped in moss – a window into Gondwana.
• Gloucester Tops Circuit – Combines lookouts over the river valley with a visit to the historic caretaker's cottage; keep an eye out for lyrebirds and pademelons.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the park's diversity, plan at least two full days – one for the plateau walks and wildlife, another for the lower-elevation rainforest and waterfalls. If you're short on time, a day trip from the Hunter Valley wine region (about 1.5 hours drive) can cover the Gloucester River area and a short walk, but you'll miss the alpine atmosphere of the top. For hikers, three days allows a multi-day trek along the Barrington Trail.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gloucester – A friendly country town with historic pubs and a great base for park access.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – After the wilderness, enjoy cellar doors and gourmet dining in Pokolbin and Broke.
• Chichester State Forest – Adjacent to the park, offering additional walking tracks and the enchanting Chichester Dam.
• Dungog – A heritage village on the Williams River, with riverside camping and cafes.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A two-hour drive east, this park features coastal lakes and beaches for a water-based contrast.

Please check official sources for current details.